Starmer to announce long-delayed defence investment plan
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil a long-delayed defence investment plan (Dip) on Tuesday, described as a “game-changing” investment to future-proof Britain’s armed forces. The plan includes £5 billion to ramp up the UK’s use of drones and autonomous weapons, with Starmer stating it will keep the country “safe and secure long into the future.”
The announcement comes in one of his final speeches before his expected departure from No10 on July 20. The plan, originally due last year, aims to boost the armed forces on land, at sea, and in the air. Proposals already confirmed include equipping the elite Commando Force with high-speed boats and lethal strike drones, and replacing the Navy’s ageing destroyers with drone-equipped warships.
Funding rows and resignations
The defence investment plan has been held back by bitter rows over funding. Earlier this month, Defence Secretary John Healey quit the government, accusing it of unwillingness to commit necessary resources. Defence minister Al Carns also resigned, stating: “We are still purchasing capability suitable for the last war while our adversaries arm for the next one.”
New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has secured an additional £1 billion on top of the £13.5 billion offered to Healey, bringing the total settlement closer to £15 billion over four years. However, this still falls short of the £28 billion defence chiefs reportedly said was needed.
Starmer and Jarvis statements
Ahead of the launch, Starmer said: “This game-changing investment will strengthen our Armed Forces on land, at sea and in the air, ensuring our servicemen and women have the cutting-edge capabilities they need to deter evolving threats and keep the British people safe.” He added that the plan backs British innovation, industry, and jobs, driving growth across the UK.
Jarvis commented: “Our Armed Forces are serving at an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable time. We are determined to give them what they need… The character of warfare is rapidly changing. In Ukraine and the Middle East, uncrewed systems are defining conflicts. This largest ever UK investment into these evolving technologies will help our Armed Forces stay ahead of our adversaries.”
Criticism from Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused the government of short-changing the armed forces, saying: “This late and underfunded plan is unforgivable. It is a political choice that makes us all less safe, puts jobs at risk and threatens businesses across the country in supply chains. The Government have dangerously short-changed our Armed Forces when they need urgent investment after years of Conservative negligence.”
